Wema Bank has announced the Top 10 nominees for the 2026 edition of its women-focused award initiative, the SARA Gives to Empower Her Award, marking the second edition of its She Empowers Her Award.
The award, launched in 2024 under the Bank’s women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, celebrates women who have made significant impact by empowering other women personally and professionally.
The shortlisted nominees are Social Entrepreneur Bosede Nwachi; NGO Founder Chigozie Blessing; Customer Success Leader Ekwutosi Cynthia; Coach and Public Speaker Franca Ozini; TEDx Speaker Hassanat Abubakar; Mentor Ikepo Osawaye; Marketing Professional Jennifer Edem Ekong; World Safety Ambassador, Ambassador Mabel Abel-Onaiwu, Founder of the Patrick Stephen Purple Heart Foundation for Widows; Oluwaseun Joan Stephen; and Virtual Assistant Coach Victoria Ezechukwu-Obiya.
According to a statement by Wema Bank, the award is designed to spotlight and reward women who have built a legacy of giving time, opportunities, resources and support to other women personally and professionally.
The 2026 edition aligns with the global International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.” Wema bank said its 2026 IWD focus, “When She Gains, We Grow,” underscores the broader societal and economic benefits of investing in women.
“In line with this, this year’s edition of the She Empowers Her Award is tagged ‘SARA Gives To Empower Her Award & Grant’, spotlighting and rewarding women with a legacy of giving to other women,” Wema bank said.
To ensure credibility and transparency, the bank said the selection process combines public nominations, an internal jury review and a voting process, all vetted by an independent audit body.
The nomination portal was open to the public from February 12 to February 22, 2026. Within the 10-day period, the bank received 2,332 nominations covering 351 women. From this pool, the Top 10 were shortlisted based on measurable impact and a clear track record of empowering other women.
The award ceremony will be held on March 4, 2026, during Wema Bank’s International Women’s Day event in Lagos, where five winners will emerge.
The event will be streamed live on YouTube via the bank’s official channel from 10 a.m., allowing viewers to follow the announcement of the Top 5 winners.
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